AMOEBAEA 213 



in the host's colon. The amoeba shows preference toward the 

 starch grain. Prior to encystment, the body diminishes in size. 

 Cyst membrane is formed and the nucleus undergoes repeated 

 division, so that cysts containing over sixty nuclei are often 

 encountered. The further development is unknown. Mercier 

 holds that when the multinucleate cysts gain entrance to the 

 intestine of a host insect through its mouth, each of the cyst 

 nuclei becomes the center of a gamete. When the cyst-mem- 

 brane ruptures, the gametes are set free and anisogamy takes 

 place, resulting in the formation of numerous zygotes which 

 develop into the habitual amoebae. This observation has not 

 been confirmed. 







Fig. 84 Endamoebae of termites. (After Kirby). 

 " a. Endamoeba disparata. X665. 



b. E. majestas. X350. 



c. E. simulans. X350. 



d. E. sahulosa. X665. 



Endamoeba thomsoni Lucas. Smaller amoebae occurring in 

 the same habitat. 



Endamoeba disparata Kirby (Fig. 84, a). In the intestine 

 of the termite, Microtermes hispaniolae. Body 20 to 40 microns 

 long. Active. The amoeba feeds on bits of wood. 



Endamoeba majestas Kirby (Fig. 84, b). In the same habitat. 

 Body 65 to 165 microns in diameter. Many short pseudopodia. 

 Numerous food particles in the cytoplasm. 



Endamoeba simulans Kirby (Fig. 84, c). In the intestine of 

 the termite, Microtermes panamaensis. Body 50 to 150 microns 

 in diameter. 



Endamoeba sabulosa Kirby (Fig. 84, d). In the same habitat. 

 Small, 19 to 35 microns in diameter. 



Genus Entamoeba Casagrandi and Barbagallo. This genus 



